Feigen's next big moment could lead to London

Jimmy Feigen of San Antonio finished his collegiate career at the University of Texas with three national championships in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay and was the Big 12's swimmer of the year, the first swimmer to earn that distinction four years in a row. Feigen is preparing for the U.S. Olympic trials and the Olympics in London this summer.

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James Feigen of the USA looks on after the Swimming Men's 100m Freestyle preliminaries heat nine on day twelve of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on July 31, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Silver medal winners James Feigen, Anthony Ervin, Ryan Lochte and Nathan Adrian of the USA celebrate after the Swimming Men's 4x100m Freestyle on day nine of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on July 28, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Silver medal winner James Feigen celebrates on the podium after the Swimming Men's Freestyle 100m Final on day thirteen of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on August 1, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Silver medal winner James Feigen celebrates on the podium after the Swimming Men's Freestyle 100m Final on day thirteen of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on August 1, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Nathan Adrian (L) and James Feigen of the USA compete during the Swimming Men's Freestyle 100m Final on day thirteen of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on August 1, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

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James Feigen of the USA competes during the Swimming Men's 100m Freestyle Semifinal 2 on day twelve of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on July 31, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

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James Feigen of the USA competes during the Swimming Men's 100m Freestyle Semifinal 2 on day twelve of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on July 31, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

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James Feigen of the USA competes during the Swimming Men's 100m Freestyle preliminaries heat seven on day twelve of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on July 31, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

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US swimmers James Feigen, Anthony Ervin, Ryan Lochte and Nathan Adrian celebrate on the podium during the award ceremony of the men's 4x100-metre freestyle relay swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on July 28, 2013.

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US swimmer James Feigen competes in the heats of the men's 4x100-metre freestyle relay swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on July 28, 2013.

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US swimmer James Feigen prepares to compete in the heats of the men's 4x100-metre freestyle relay swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on July 28, 2013.

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(top to bottom) France's final leg swimmer Jeremy Stravius touches first to win ahead of Russia's Danila Izotov, US swimmer James Feigen and Australia's James Roberts in the men's 4x100-metre freestyle relay final swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on July 28, 2013.

Gold medalist Australia's James Magnussen (C), silver medalist US swimmer James Feigen (L) and bronze medalist US swimmer Nathan Adrian pose on the podium during the award ceremony of the men's 100-metre freestyle swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on August 1, 2013.

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Silver medalist US swimmer James Feigen (R) congratulates US swimmer Nathan Adrian on taking third place in the final of the men's 100-metre freestyle swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on August 1, 2013.

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US swimmer James Feigen prepares to compete in the semi-finals of the men's 100-metre freestyle swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on July 31, 2013.

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(From top) US swimmer James Feigen, US swimmer Nathan Adrian and Brazil's Marcelo Chierighini compete in the final of the men's 100-metre freestyle swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on August 1, 2013.

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Silver medalist US swimmer James Feigen poses on the podium with his medal during the award ceremony of the men's 100-metre freestyle swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on August 1, 2013.

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Gold medalist Australia's James Magnussen (C), silver medalist US swimmer James Feigen (L) and bronze medalist US swimmer Nathan Adrian pose on the podium during the award ceremony of the men's 100-metre freestyle swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on August 1, 2013.

Photo By Julia Robinson/Julia Robinson, For the Express-News

Jimmy Feigen of San Antonio finished his collegiate career at the University of Texas with three national championships in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay and was the Big 12's swimmer of the year, the first swimmer to earn that distinction four years in a row. Jimmy Feigen is preparing for the U.S. Olympic trials and the Olympics in London this summer.

Photo By Julia Robinson/Julia Robinson, For the Express-News

Jimmy Feigen of San Antonio finished his collegiate career at the University of Texas with three national championships in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay and was the Big 12's swimmer of the year, the first swimmer to earn that distinction four years in a row. Jimmy Feigen is preparing for the U.S. Olympic trials and the Olympics in London this summer.

Photo By Julia Robinson/Julia Robinson, For the Express-News

Jimmy Feigen of San Antonio finished his collegiate career at the University of Texas with three national championships in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay and was the Big 12's swimmer of the year, the first swimmer to earn that distinction four years in a row. Jimmy Feigen is preparing for the U.S. Olympic trials and the Olympics in London this summer.

Photo By Julia Robinson/Julia Robinson, For the Express-News

Jimmy Feigen of San Antonio finished his collegiate career at the University of Texas with three national championships in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay and was the Big 12's swimmer of the year, the first swimmer to earn that distinction four years in a row. Jimmy Feigen is preparing for the U.S. Olympic trials and the Olympics in London this summer.

Photo By Julia Robinson/Julia Robinson, For the Express-News

Jimmy Feigen of San Antonio finished his collegiate career at the University of Texas with three national championships in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay and was the Big 12's swimmer of the year, the first swimmer to earn that distinction four years in a row. Jimmy Feigen is preparing for the U.S. Olympic trials and the Olympics in London this summer.

Photo By Julia Robinson/Julia Robinson, For the Express-News

Jimmy Feigen of San Antonio finished his collegiate career at the University of Texas with three national championships in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay and was the Big 12's swimmer of the year, the first swimmer to earn that distinction four years in a row. Jimmy Feigen is preparing for the U.S. Olympic trials and the Olympics in London this summer.

Photo By Ted S. Warren, Associated Press

Texas' James Feigen celebrates his win in the 50-yard freestyle at the NCAA Men's Swimming and Diving Championships, Thursday, March 22, 2012, in Federal Way, Wash.

Jimmy Feigen accepts congratulations after swimming a 19.34 50-meter freestyle as Josh Davis organizes a benefit race at the Davis Natatorium featuring a number of Olympic swimmers on Dec. 6, 2011.

Photo By TOM REEL/San Antonio Express-News

Jimmy Feigen (front right) is surrounded by Plympians after swimming a 19.34 50-meter freestyle as Josh Davis organizes a benefit race at the Davis Natatorium featuring a number of Olympic swimmers on Dec. 6, 2011.

Photo By TOM REEL/San Antonio Express-News

Jimmy Feigen accepts congratulations after turning a 19.34 50-meter freestyle as Josh Davis organizes a benefit race at the Davis Natatorium featuring a number of Olympic swimmers on Dec. 6, 2011.

Photo By TOM REEL/San Antonio Express-News

Jimmy Feigen looks to the clock while other swimmers finish their last strokes as Josh Davis organizes a benefit race at the Davis Natatorium featuring a number of Olympic swimmers on Dec. 6, 2011.

Photo By TOM REEL/San Antonio Express-News

Jimmy Feigen sports a Longhorn tattoo on his back as he readies for the race as Josh Davis organizes a benefit race at the Davis Natatorium featuring a number of Olympic swimmers on Dec. 6, 2011.

Texas freshman and Churchill graduate Jimmy Feigen exults after finishing second in the 100-yard freestyle on Saturday night, March 28, 2009, at the NCAA Men's Swimming and Diving Championships in College Station.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/San Antonio Express-News

Texas' Jimmy Feigen holds his trophy after competeing in the men's 50-yard freestyle at the 2009 NCAA Divison I Men's Swimming and Diving Championshiops Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Texas A&M Student Recreation Center Natatorium in College Station. Feigen placed second with a time of 18.84.

Texas' Jimmy Feigen checks his time after competeing in the men's 50-yard freestyle at the 2009 NCAA Divison I Men's Swimming and Diving Championshiops Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Texas A&M Student Recreation Center Natatorium in College Station. Feigen placed second with a time of 18.84.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/San Antonio Express-News

Texas' Jimmy Feigen starts the men's 50-yard freestyle at the 2009 NCAA Divison I Men's Swimming and Diving Championshiops Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Texas A&M Student Recreation Center Natatorium in College Station. Feigen placed second with a time of 18.84.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/San Antonio Express-News

Felipe Zambrano (left) gets an autograph from Texas' Jimmy Feigen at the 2009 NCAA Divison I Men's Swimming and Diving Championshiops Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Texas A&M Student Recreation Center Natatorium in College Station.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/San Antonio Express-News

Texas' Jimmy Feigen (left) is congratulated by teammate Alan Maher after placing second, with at time of 18.84, in the men's 50-yard freestyle at the 2009 NCAA Divison I Men's Swimming and Diving Championshiops Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Texas A&M Student Recreation Center Natatorium in College Station.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/San Antonio Express-News

Texas' Jimmy Feigen flashes the Hook 'em Horns on the awards stand after competeing in the men's 50-yard freestyle at the 2009 NCAA Divison I Men's Swimming and Diving Championshiops Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Texas A&M Student Recreation Center Natatorium in College Station. Feigen placed second with a time of 18.84.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/San Antonio Express-News

Texas' Jimmy Feigen is all smiles on the awards stand after competeing in the men's 50-yard freestyle at the 2009 NCAA Divison I Men's Swimming and Diving Championshiops Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Texas A&M Student Recreation Center Natatorium in College Station. Feigen placed second with a time of 18.84.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/San Antonio Express-News

Texas' Jimmy Feigen (left) jokes with Assistant Coach Kris Kubik after competeing in the men's 50-yard freestyle at the 2009 NCAA Divison I Men's Swimming and Diving Championshiops Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Texas A&M Student Recreation Center Natatorium in College Station. Feigen placed second with a time of 18.84.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/San Antonio Express-News

Texas' Jimmy Feigen prepares to compete in the men's 50-yard freestyle at the 2009 NCAA Divison I Men's Swimming and Diving Championshiops Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Texas A&M Student Recreation Center Natatorium in College Station.

Photo By GLORIA FERNIZ/San Antonio Express-News

Jimmy Feigen was named Express-News area boys athlete of the year in 2007-2008. Photographed at Davis Natatorium, Wednesday, June 11, 2008.

2007-2008 All-Area Swimming and Diving team (left to right): Rebecca St. Germain of Churchill, Kim Paulin of Churchill, Jimmy Feigen of Churchill and Justin McDonald of Brackenridge. Churchill coach Al Marks shown in the back.

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Jimmy Feigen screams as a teammate hugs him after Churchill won the UIL state swimming meet at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin on Feb. 23, 2008.

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Churchill's Jimmy Feigen reacts to his national record in the 50-yard freestyle with a slap to the water at the UIL state swim meet at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin on Feb. 23, 2008.

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Churchill's Jimmy Feigen acknowledges fans as he and the Chargers 200-yard medley relay team wait for their gold medal at the UIL state swim meet at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin on Feb. 23, 2008.

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Churchill's Jimmy Feigen gets off the blocks in the 100-yard freestyle event at the UIL state swim meet at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin on Feb. 23, 2008. He won the race in 43.05 setting a national record.

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Chruchill's Jimmy Feigen rests after setting a national record of 43.05 in the 100-yard freestyle at the UIL state swim meet at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin on Feb. 23, 2008.

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Jimmy Feigen raises the championship trophy for Churchill at the UIL state swim meet at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin on Feb. 23, 2008. Relay teammate John Ariens (right) holds the banner.

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Churchill's Jimmy Feigen hams it up with his team as they show the state championshhip banner at the UIL state swim meet at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin on Feb. 23, 2008.

Photo By WILLIAM LUTHER/San Antonio Express-News

Jimmy Feigen of Churchill reacts Saturday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2008 to breaking the national record in the 100-yard freestyle during the Region VII-5A swimming and diving championships at the Josh Davis Natatorium. Feigen had a time of 43.41 seconds, beating the old record of 43.43.

Photo By WILLIAM LUTHER/San Antonio Express-News

Churchill's Jimmy Feigen (left) leaves the blocks Saturday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2008 during the start of the 50-yard freestyle event in the Region VII-5A swimming and diving championships at the Josh Davis Natatorium.

Photo By WILLIAM LUTHER/San Antonio Express-News

Jimmy Feigen competes Saturday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2008 in the 100-yard freestyle finals during the Region VII-5A swimming and diving championships at the Josh Davis Natatorium. Feigen won the event with a time of 43.41 seconds, beating the national record time of 43.43 seconds.

Photo By TOM REEL/San Antonio Express-News

Churchill's Jimmy Feigen springs out to a good start in the 50-yard freestyle event at the 26-5A meet Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008. He recorded a winning time of 20.02.

2006-07 All Area Swimmers Jimmy Feigen of Churchill and Jessica St. John of Alamo Heights.

Photo By KEVIN GEIL/San Antonio Express-News

2006-07 All Area Swimmers Jimmy Feigen of Churchill.

Photo By BOB OWEN/San Antonio Express-News

Churchill's Jimmy Feigen stands on the winners stand after winning the 50-yard freestyle at the 2007 UIL State 5A 4A Swimming and Diving Championships in Austin at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007.

Photo By BOB OWEN/San Antonio Express-News

Churchill's Jimmy Feigen at the start of the 50-yard freestyle, which he won at the 2007 UIL State 5A 4A Swimming and Diving Championships in Austin at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007.

Photo By BOB OWEN/San Antonio Express-News

Churchill's Jimmy Feigen smiles at a friend after coming in second in the 100-yard freestyle at the 2007 UIL State 5A 4A Swimming and Diving Championships in Austin at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007.

Churchill's Jimmy Feigen takes first in the boys' 100-yard butterfly as local swimmers put in big performances at the finals of the South Zone TISCA swim meet at the Davis Natatorium Saturday evening, Dec. 9, 2006.

AUSTIN — There's more to it than fate. If there weren't, then Jimmy Feigen would've just been wasting his time.

Half of Feigen's life has been spent preparing for this. He's in the pool by 6:30 every morning, in the weight room after every lunch, and back in the water every afternoon. The work, he thought, is what would make him an Olympian. But he couldn't control it all.

Eddie Reese, the venerable swimming coach at Texas, is fond of saying, “you don't pick the sport; it picks you.” And for four long years a decade ago, the sport kept telling Feigen to take a hike.

When he was 10, no one his age could beat him. Then kids started catching up at 11, and slipping past him at 12, and blowing him away at 13 and 14. The problem was they were all getting taller, with longer arms to churn through more water and bigger legs to kick them toward the wall. Meanwhile, Feigen was stuck inside the kind of body that gets left behind at carnival-ride lines.

“I wasn't really maturing,” Feigen said. “Going from the top to the bottom, that's a traumatic experience. A humbling experience, for sure.”

But then his genes kicked in, and his limbs shot out of his sleeves and pant legs like radioactive tentacles, and swimming made no doubts about the fact it was choosing him. And next month, after an overwhelmingly accomplished career at Churchill and UT, the sport could reveal its biggest plans for him yet.

Feigen, now 22, 6-foot-5 and the reigning NCAA champion in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle, will compete in both events at the U.S. Olympic team trials in Omaha, Neb., beginning June 27. A finish in the top six spots in either event will be good enough to send him to London for the Summer Olympics.

“I've got a legitimate shot,” Feigen said.

And ever since his body caught up with his desire and work ethic, Feigen hasn't let many legitimate chances slip away. At Churchill, he set national records in both freestyle events, won five Class 5A state titles and was named Swimming World magazine's national high school swimmer of the year.

At UT, he became the first athlete in Big 12 history to be named the league's swimmer of the year four times and helped three different relay teams set American records. Last year at the U.S. national championships, he won silver in both of his freestyle events.

But all of that pales in comparison with what's next.

“This is going to be the biggest stage of his life,” said Josh Davis, the San Antonian who won three gold medals at the 1996 Olympics and has been a mentor to Feigen for years. “And he's always thrived off the big-time moments.”

Davis said he first got to know Feigen early in Feigen's time at Churchill, where he was one of many swimmers to thrive under coach Al Marks. It wasn't long before it became obvious Feigen would become one of the greatest swimmers in the country.

“He's a laid-back guy,” Davis said. “But he can flip that switch on, and say, ‘OK, I can race anybody.'”

Flipping that switch, Feigen said, is a conscious decision. Normally talkative and outgoing, he admits he can come off as “standoffish” as race time approaches.

What he never lacks, however, is belief in his ability.

“I think people take confidence as cockiness,” Feigen said. “If you get up on the block and you're not sure you're going to win, you've already lost.”

Feigen would like to keep getting up on the block for the foreseeable future.

Regardless of what happens in Omaha, he is intent on training for the 2016 Olympics. Beyond that, he might finally have time to go to medical school, following the path of his father Mike Feigen, a retired radiologist, and his mother Beth Wichman, the director of student health services at UTSA.

“I've only wanted to be two things in my life — an Olympian and a doctor,” Feigen said. “I can be a doctor at any time. But when I'm 45, I don't think I can be an Olympian.”